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Theatre careers are built from a mix of creativity, practical skill, collaboration, reliability and continual learning. These are strong places to begin exploring the professional world behind the curtain.
The United States Institute for Theatre Technology connects theatre design, management and technology communities. Its BACKstage resources cover audio, costumes, lighting, scenic construction, stage management, safety and more.
Explore USITT BACKstage ↗A national professional organization devoted specifically to stage managers, with education, mentoring, networking, advocacy and community resources.
Visit the SMA ↗A professional association and union representing scenic artists and designers in scenic, costume, lighting, sound, projection and related crafts.
Explore USA 829 ↗The national labor union representing professional stage directors and choreographers, with education about the profession and pathways into the field.
Explore SDC ↗A global professional organization for casting, with education, career development and training pathways for people entering the field.
Explore Casting Society ↗A national theatre service organization offering field information, professional community, publications and ARTSEARCH career resources.
Explore TCG ↗Industry-specific training in safety, technical skills and workplace practices for eligible entertainment workers, including online learning resources.
Explore IATSE TTF ↗Professional certification for experienced entertainment technicians in theatre rigging, arena rigging, entertainment electrical work and portable power distribution.
Explore ETCP ↗A window into the broad range of behind-the-scenes work in live entertainment: stagehands, front of house, wardrobe, press agents, house and company management and more.
Explore Stagecraft ↗Follow new lighting, audio, video, control and production technologies—and see how professionals are using them in real venues and live events.
Visit ETNow ↗Include research, sketches, renderings, drafting, plots and selected production photos. Explain what you were solving and what you contributed.
With appropriate permissions and confidentiality, show the kinds of paperwork and organizational systems you can create: schedules, run sheets, tracking and communication systems.
Document fabrication, installation, programming, troubleshooting and finished work. Be clear about which parts were yours.
Keep credits, dates, venues, collaborators, software and equipment experience current. Reliability and communication belong in your professional story too.
Pick one department you know almost nothing about and spend fifteen minutes exploring it. Theatre becomes more collaborative when you understand what your colleagues are trying to accomplish.